Discerning the Lord’s body

I want us to take note of two phrases: “the Lord’s body” and “discerning.”

The Lord’s Supper is a very important event. Like Pastor said, in one event we experience both the ministry of the Passover and that of the atonement. For us in the New Testament, the Lord’s Supper provides us an opportunity to reflect on our salvation. If we were once in darkness and are now in the light; if we were once in sin and now are not; if we were once drug addicts and are now called the children of God, how did it happen?

It also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the Great Commission because the Bible says when we eat it we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. If we don’t reflect on these things, the coming of the Lord will be a shock to us.

There are people operating all kinds of gifts but when you press beyond the surface, you see immorality. Let us examine ourselves. Are you walking in the image of your title or you are approved of God?

It also gives us the opportunity to reflect on our future. If Christ did not remain in the grave, then we also shall not remain in the grave, if he was broken, buried and released from the dead, then we too will be caught up to be with him in the skies one day.

To discern is to distinguish, check carefully, estimate, and value. We must find out what is going on. Revelation knowledge is important for us as Christians.

What is the Lord’s body?
1. It refers to the physical body of Jesus
Our salvation happened because Jesus became flesh. In the mystery of godliness, God was manifested in the flesh. Thus, the physical body of Jesus is as important to us as his mystical body.

This body is important because Isaiah prophesied that the body of Jesus was broken. He was messed up on the cross but by his stripes we are healed. When Jesus was live, women would minister to him. Women would bring their substance to minister to him. One little boy offered him his lunch to feed 5,000 people.

2. It refers to the bread
Jesus said, “This is my body.” The little wafer we eat represents the body of Jesus. It reminds us of the work of Christ and his family. It reminds us that we participate in his life—everything that was in him has entered us. And this comes along with healing, favor, grace, and everything that Christ represents.

3. It refers to the church
The Bible says Christ is one body and we are the parts of the body. Thus, we must show respect to the organization of the body. You can’t disrespect the body of Christ and eat at the table. You can’t disrespect doctrine and still claim to be part of the body.

Let’s not abuse the grae of God
Jesus had died and been raised form the dead for forty days and forty nights. After his ascension, the apostles decided to hold a vote for the replacement of Judas Iscariot who had abandoned his office to go “where he belongs” (Acts 1:25).

Judas was one of those Jesus called after he had prayed all night. Judas must have performed miracles and cast out demons just like the other apostles but he abused the grace of Jesus. He was forgiven and brought into the kingdom and given fresh grace but he was being smarter, in his own eyes, than Jesus.

He was a thief and was given many opportunities for repentance but he did not repent. Jesus warned them that one of them was a devil; he said one of them was going to betray him; and not only once. We also have equally received grace but should we continue to sin that grace may abound? The seed of sin hides within but we must overcome it and not allow it to gain the advantage over us.

Because you have participated in this table, may God grant you healing and grace in Jesus’ name.

Main references
1 Corinthians 11:27-29, Acts 1:25